How much does a concrete slab cost per square metre? [2026]
Index
How much does a slab of concrete cost?
What’s the real cost of a concrete slab? On average, you’re looking at around $75 to $110 per square metre for a standard slab, while a decorative slab will likely cost about $100 to $170 per square metre.
If your property’s on a slope, expect to pay closer to the higher end of that range. But the cost is just the beginning. Selecting the right slab for your project is essential to making sure your foundation is solid, durable, and built to last.
Whether you’re building a new home, adding an outdoor entertaining area, or laying the foundation for a shed, the type of slab you need can vary. Factors like soil conditions, load-bearing requirements, and intended use all play a role in determining whether a standard concrete slab will do the job or if you need additional reinforcement, footings, or even an alternative material. Understanding these factors upfront can help you budget more accurately and avoid costly surprises down the track.
If you need a concrete slab poured, this guide walks you through the costs, and what drives them:
- Concrete slab cost per m2
- Shed concrete slab cost
- House concrete slab cost
- What factors affect concrete slab pricing
- How thick does a concrete slab need to be?
- How to get concrete slab quotes and hire a concreter, and more.
Want to find a concreter in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?
How much does a concrete slab cost per m2?
The cost of a standard concrete slab per square metre is usually between $75 and $110 for materials. While most quotes are based on square metres, some contractors might charge by cubic metre instead. Keep in mind that labour costs will also need to be factored into your overall budget, as installation is a significant part of the expense.
In the next section, we break down concrete slab prices by type, helping you understand what to expect based on your specific project needs.
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Types of concrete slab and their costs
The kind of concrete you opt for plays a big role in the overall price. Whether you’re choosing a basic slab or one with decorative finishes and extra reinforcements, each type brings its own price tag. The more specialised the concrete, the higher the cost but the benefits, like added durability or aesthetics, can make it worthwhile.
Here are some estimated costs per square metre:
- Spray-on concrete (technically resurfacing): $50 to $75 per m²
- Plain concrete slab: $60 to $85 per m²
- Reinforced concrete slab: $65 to $90 per m²
- Coloured concrete slab: $75 to $90 per m²
- Decorative stencilled or exposed aggregate concrete: $100 to $170 per m²
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Cost of concrete slab for a shed
Concrete slab prices for a shed are typically calculated per square metre, with plain concrete slabs ranging from $60 to $85 per m².
For a better idea of total project costs:
- A small shed slab (6m x 7m) costs between $3,360 and $4,620.
- A larger shed slab (12m x 13m) can range from $11,700 to $17,160.
If you opt for a decorative finish, such as coloured or exposed aggregate concrete, expect to pay more for your shed slab.
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House concrete slab cost
The price for house foundation slabs typically ranges from $75 to $110 per square metre, depending on factors such as slab thickness, location, and site conditions.
Labour rates and project duration will also impact the total cost. Since a house slab needs to be significantly thicker and more reinforced than a shed slab, it is a more complex and expensive project. Proper preparation and high-quality materials are essential to ensure a strong and durable foundation.
Other costs to consider when pouring a slab
Besides the base price of the concrete, several other factors can add to the overall cost of a slab. This includes:
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Site preparation: Excavation, base preparation and compaction may add around $20 to $35 per m², depending on soil conditions and how much site clearing is required.
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Reinforcement: Steel mesh or reinforcing bars are often included in slab construction but may add $5 to $15 per m² if priced separately.
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Concrete pumping: If the site is difficult to access, contractors may need to pump the concrete, which can cost $500 to $1,500 or more per job.
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Formwork and finishing: Creating slab edges, levelling the surface and finishing the concrete may add around $10 to $30 per m².
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What factors affect concrete slab pricing?
How much do concrete slabs cost, and what influences the total price? Several factors can impact the final cost of a concrete slab, including:
- Slab size and thickness – Thicker slabs require more concrete and reinforcement, increasing both material and labour costs.
- Type of concrete – Standard, reinforced, or decorative finishes all come at different price points.
- Site accessibility – A flat, easy-to-access site is cheaper to work with than a sloping or difficult-to-reach location, which can drive up costs.
- Project complexity and duration – Larger or more intricate projects take longer to complete, requiring more labour and increasing the overall cost.
- Location – If you live in a remote area or a high-demand market, you may face higher concrete and labour costs.
In Australia, online concrete slab cost calculators can provide a rough estimate, often showing a starting price rather than a full breakdown. For the most accurate pricing, it’s best to request quotes from local concrete contractors.
Looking for a concrete price Adelaide?
Concrete slab thickness: What you need to know
The thickness of a concrete slab plays a crucial role in its strength, durability, and ability to support weight. The minimum thickness required depends on the intended use of the slab.
- Light-duty applications – For areas like garden paths, patios, and small outdoor surfaces, a 5cm (50mm) slab is typically the minimum requirement. However, this is only suitable for non-load-bearing applications.
- Standard residential slabs – The average thickness for most residential concrete slabs, such as house foundations, driveways, and shed floors, is 10cm (100mm). This provides a good balance of strength and cost-effectiveness.
- Heavy-duty and industrial slabs – For garages, workshops, commercial buildings, and areas that need to support heavy loads, slabs may need to be 15cm to 20cm (150mm to 200mm) or more. Additional reinforcement, such as steel mesh or rebar, is often required for added durability.
A general rule of thumb is that a thicker slab equals a stronger slab. While increasing thickness does raise the overall cost of materials and labour, it can prevent issues like cracking, sinking, and structural failure in the long run. If you’re unsure what thickness is right for your project, a professional concrete contractor can provide expert guidance based on your specific needs.
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Get a concrete slab quote
Still wondering how much does a concrete slab cost? To get an accurate estimate, it’s essential to request quotes from local concreters. Through platforms like Yellow Pages, you can compare multiple free quotes to better understand local market rates. If you’re seeking a reliable and experienced professional, you can also explore reviews and detailed profiles to find the right tradie for your project.
When requesting a quote, make sure to provide as much detail as possible about the job. This helps contractors give you a more accurate estimate. Include information such as:
- The type of slab you need (plain, reinforced, decorative, etc.).
- Slab dimensions (length, width, and thickness).
- Whether you’re working with a flat or sloping block.
To ensure you’re hiring the right concreter, here are a few important questions to ask:
- Are they licensed and insured (depending on your state’s requirements)?
- Do they offer a workmanship guarantee for peace of mind?
- Can they provide a portfolio of previous work or references from past clients?
- How long will the concrete slab job take to complete?
Taking the time to thoroughly vet your options and provide clear details will help you secure a fair quote and ensure the job is done right.
Want to find a concreter in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?
*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions: Concrete Slab Cost Guide
The cost of a concrete slab typically ranges between $75 and $110 per square metre, depending on factors such as slab thickness, location, and site conditions.
You can use an online concrete slab cost calculator in Australia for a general indication of local market rates. However, to work out a rough estimate of the cost of concrete slab installation yourself, simply multiply the area size (in square metres or cubic metres) by the price of concrete per m2 or m3. Otherwise, get quotes from local concreters for accurate prices.
The price of concrete per cubic metre for a slab ranges between $400 and $450, plus labour. While some concrete slab contractors will charge by the cubic metre, most offer quotes per square metre.
The average thickness for a residential concrete slab is around 10cm. A thicker slab, such as one used for heavy-duty applications or industrial projects, may range from 15cm to 20cm.
The type of slab you need depends on your specific requirements. For a standard residential home, a plain concrete slab is common, but for decorative or heavy-duty needs, you might opt for coloured, exposed aggregate, or reinforced slabs.
Online calculators can provide rough estimates, often listed as a “from” price, but for a precise quote, it’s best to request quotes from local professionals who can assess your specific project needs.
Site conditions play a significant role in determining the cost of a concrete slab. If your block is sloped or has challenging access, it will take more time and effort to prepare, resulting in higher labour costs. A flat, easily accessible block will generally be cheaper to work on.
Yes, weather can impact the installation of a concrete slab. Rain or extreme temperatures can delay curing times or cause complications during the pouring process. It’s best to schedule installation on days with mild weather to ensure the slab sets correctly.
The time it takes to pour and set a concrete slab can vary depending on the project’s size and complexity. On average, the pouring process can take a few hours, while the slab may require 24 to 48 hours to cure before it’s walkable and up to 7 days to reach full strength. However, larger or more intricate slabs may take longer to complete.
Summary
Key Considerations and Costs of Concrete Slabs: What You Need to Know
Concrete slab costs typically range from $75–$110 per square metre for standard slabs, with higher costs for sloping or difficult sites.
Costs by slab type:
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Spray-on: $50–$75/m²
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Plain: $60–$85/m²
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Reinforced: $65–$90/m²
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Coloured: $75–$90/m²
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Decorative (exposed aggregate/stencilled): $100–$170/m²
For shed slabs, expect $3,360–$4,620 for a 6×7 m slab, and $11,700–$17,160 for a 12×13 m slab.
House foundations usually cost $75–$110/m², depending on thickness and complexity.
Slab thickness guidelines:
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Light use (patios): ~50 mm
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Residential: ~100 mm
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Heavy-duty (garages): 150–200 mm with reinforcement
To get the best price, gather multiple quotes with slab details like size, type, and site access. Always check that contractors are licensed and insured.
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